King James Version

What Does Joshua 2:12 Mean?

Joshua 2:12 in the King James Version says “Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:”

Joshua 2:12 · KJV

Prayer

Context

10

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

11

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. did there: Heb. rose up

12

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

13

And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

14

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. for: Heb. instead of you to die

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Having confessed faith in Israel's God, Rahab immediately seeks covenant protection for her family. The request 'swear unto me by the LORD' (hishav'u na li vaYahweh, הִשָּׁבְעוּ נָא לִי בַיהוָה) invokes Yahweh's name as witness and guarantor of the oath. This demonstrates her understanding that Israel's God binds His people to keep commitments made in His name. The basis for her request is reciprocal kindness (chesed, חֶסֶד)—'since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness.' Chesed means covenant loyalty, faithful love, and steadfast kindness, often describing God's covenant faithfulness toward Israel. Rahab's use of this covenant term shows she seeks to enter into covenant relationship with Israel and their God. Her concern extends beyond self-preservation to 'my father's house'—parents, siblings, and extended family. The request for 'a true token' (ot emet, אוֹת אֱמֶת) asks for a reliable sign ensuring the agreement's fulfillment. This covenant-making between Rahab and the spies foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's covenant people through faith, a major theme fulfilled in Christ's Great Commission.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern treaties and oaths were considered absolutely binding, especially when made in a deity's name. Breaking such oaths invited divine curse and human revenge. Rahab's request demonstrates her understanding of Israelite covenant theology—oaths made in Yahweh's name were inviolable. Family solidarity was central to ancient Near Eastern culture; individuals rarely sought salvation apart from their household. Rahab's concern for her extended family reflects this cultural value, which also appears in New Testament household conversions (Acts 16:31-34). The scarlet cord given as a token (verse 18) served dual purposes: identifying Rahab's house during conquest and symbolically representing salvation through blood, prefiguring Christ's blood-bought redemption. Ancient city warfare typically involved total destruction of inhabitants, making Rahab's request for family protection a matter of life and death. The spies' willingness to make this covenant demonstrates the beginning of Israel's mission to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Rahab's concern for her family's salvation challenge individualistic Western Christianity that often ignores household evangelism?
  2. What does the exchange of covenant loyalty (<em>chesed</em>) teach about the reciprocal nature of covenant relationships?
  3. In what ways does Rahab's covenant with the spies prefigure the inclusion of Gentiles in God's covenant people through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 20
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִשָּֽׁבְעוּ2 of 20

“Now therefore I pray you swear”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

נָ֥א3 of 20
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לִי֙4 of 20
H0
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה5 of 20

“unto me by the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּֽי6 of 20

“since”

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם7 of 20

“I have shewed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִמָּכֶ֖ם8 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֶ֔סֶד9 of 20

“kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם10 of 20

“I have shewed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

גַּם11 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתֶּ֜ם12 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עִם13 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בֵּ֤ית14 of 20

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִי֙15 of 20

“unto my father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

חֶ֔סֶד16 of 20

“kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם17 of 20

“and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֖י18 of 20
H0
א֥וֹת19 of 20

“token”

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

אֱמֶֽת׃20 of 20

“me a true”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 2:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 2:18James 2:131 Samuel 20:14-171 Timothy 5:82 Timothy 1:16-18Esther 8:6

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